‘Outstanding’ Gerrard lifts mediocre Pool

LIVERPOOL may have mastered the art of European football but this uninspiring victory over a defensive Manchester City demonstrated that the Premiership remains as big a mystery as ever for Rafa Benitez.

But for yet another match-winning performance by Steven Gerrard, City’s industry would have earned them their second away point of the season.

The England midfielder was the only discernible difference between two teams that had “mid-table mediocrity” stamped all over them.

In the 67th minute, Joey Barton’s poor backpass was intercepted by Dirk Kuyt and fed to Gerrard — playing in his preferred central midfield position — who hammered an unstoppable 20-yard shot past the dive of Nicky Weaver.

Ironically, City manager Stuart Pearce had spent the week championing Barton’s claims to a place in the England squad but, with national manager Steve McClaren watching from the stand, Gerrard’s goal and general performance reminded the young pretender exactly what is required to make the step up.

“I thought Stevie was outstanding, not just for the goal, but in the first half as well,” said Jamie Carragher. “He was our best player and the man of the match. I said last season that I wouldn’t swap him for Ronaldinho or Kaka.

“Apart from Wayne Rooney, he is the one world-class player England have. He can be the best player in the world. I’m not saying that because he’s my mate, or because he players for Liverpool. I really believe it.

“There’s not a lot more he can do. He’s won Player of the Year, the Champions League, score in just about every final he’s been in, so what else could he do? Maybe get his hands on the Premiership trophy before he retires.”

The title is clearly not destined for Anfield this season but, if he is ever to captain his beloved hometown club to the championship, it is clear the 26-year-old will have a vital role to play.

What that role will be is still the subject of much debate. Surprisingly, this was Gerrard’s first league goal of the season, one which manager Benitez believes will see him grow in confidence.

“It’s important for Stevie to score and now he’s got his first in the Premiership it will give him a lot of confidence,” said Benitez. “The other day I said I think he can get even better, even though he is doing well, and that is only a positive thing for him.”

Opta Fact: Steven Gerrard ended a run of 14 Premiership games without a win with his goal against City.

Opta Fact: City have the worst away record in the top flight — they have won just one and lost 15 of their last 18 league away trips.